CHAPTER 1: DEFINING VISUAL ART • Tangible vs.

Intangible Expression: Visual arts

create tangible works that can be seen and often
1. Definition of Art and Visual Art
physically interacted with, whereas other forms of
Art is a diverse range of human activities involving art, such as music and literature, exist in auditory or
creative expression, imagination, and technical skill. conceptual forms.
It manifests in various forms, including painting,
Understanding these distinctions helps in
sculpture, music, literature, and dance. According to
appreciating the diversity within the realm of art and
Tolstoy (1897), “Art is a means of communicating
recognizing how different forms of artistic
emotion from the artist to the audience.” Visual art,
expression impact human culture and experience.
specifically, refers to works primarily appreciated
through sight, such as drawing, painting,
photography, sculpture, and digital art (Gombrich,
2. Connecting Art in Daily Lives
1950).
Art is deeply intertwined with daily life, influencing
1.1 Difference Between Art and Visual Art
emotions, communication, and even decision-
While all visual art is a form of art, not all art falls making. From advertisements to architecture, visual
under visual art. The distinction between the two lies elements shape human experiences and cultural
in their forms of expression, mediums, and sensory identity. Dewey (1934) emphasizes that “art is not a
engagement: separate domain but an extension of everyday
experiences.” Visual art is evident in home
• Art as a Broad Concept: Art encompasses all
decorations, fashion, digital media, and
creative expressions, including literature, music,
entertainment, enhancing both functionality and
performing arts, and visual arts. It can be auditory
aesthetics (Berger, 1972).
(music), written (literature, poetry), performative
(theater, dance), or visual. Art also fosters creativity and mental well-being.
Studies show that engaging with art can reduce
• Visual Art as a Subset of Art: Visual arts are a
stress, increase empathy, and enhance problem-
category of art that primarily engages the sense of
solving skills (Leder et al., 2004). Whether through
sight. They include painting, sculpture, photography,
murals in public spaces or creative social media
drawing, digital art, and other two-dimensional or
content, visual art continues to influence and inspire
three-dimensional artistic expressions.
individuals daily. In education, art is incorporated
• Medium and Sensory Perception: While art can be into learning to enhance cognitive abilities,
multi-sensory (such as music appealing to hearing encourage innovation, and develop fine motor skills.
and dance appealing to sight and movement), visual Even in workplaces, art plays a crucial role in
arts rely predominantly on visual perception to creating a stimulating environment that promotes
communicate meaning and emotion. productivity and motivation.
 heavily on visual artistry to captivate audiences and
enhance consumer engagement.
3. Purpose of Visual Arts
• Therapeutic and Healing Purposes: Art therapy has
Visual arts serve multiple purposes, spanning
been used to treat mental health conditions, reduce
personal, cultural, social, and economic domains.
anxiety, and promote emotional healing. Hospitals
• Personal Expression: Artists use visual media to and wellness centers often integrate visual art into
express thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Art their environments to improve patient experiences
allows individuals to communicate ideas that words and overall well-being (Malchiodi, 2012).
may not fully convey (Freeland, 2001). The process
• Educational Value: Visual arts play a crucial role in
of creating art is often therapeutic, providing an
education by fostering creativity, improving critical
outlet for emotions and serving as a form of self-
thinking, and enhancing visual literacy. Schools
discovery.
incorporate art programs to encourage self-
• Cultural Representation: Art preserves cultural expression and problem-solving skills in students
heritage and reflects societal values. Traditional (Eisner, 2002).
paintings, sculptures, and crafts embody historical
and contemporary perspectives (Geertz, 1973).
Through visual storytelling, art helps document 4. Art and Ethics
historical events, traditions, and societal changes that
Art often raises ethical questions, particularly
shape collective identity.
concerning representation, ownership, and
• Social Influence: Art is a tool for activism and censorship. Ethical dilemmas in visual art include:
awareness, addressing political, environmental, and
• Plagiarism and Authenticity: Copying or
social issues (Dissanayake, 1995). Propaganda
misrepresenting artwork without credit challenges
posters, street art, and digital campaigns illustrate
artistic integrity (Lessig, 2004). Originality in art is
this function. Art is often used to challenge
highly valued, and ethical concerns arise when artists
stereotypes, question authority, and initiate
or institutions fail to recognize the contributions of
conversations about pressing global and local issues.
creators.
• Economic Contribution: The visual arts industry
• Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression: Some
generates revenue through galleries, digital
artworks provoke controversy due to political or
platforms, advertising, and entertainment. The
religious sensitivities. Governments and institutions
creative economy is a key driver of innovation and
often debate whether certain visual pieces should be
employment (Throsby, 2001). Industries such as
restricted (Danto, 1997). While art is a powerful tool
fashion, film, video games, and advertising rely
for expression, the balance between artistic freedom
and societal norms remains a subject of debate.
• Cultural Appropriation: Using elements of
marginalized cultures without proper
acknowledgment can be seen as exploitative rather
than appreciative (Young, 2005). Ethical discussions
surrounding cultural appropriation focus on respect,
permission, and the preservation of cultural integrity.

• Environmental Impact: The materials and processes

used in art production, such as paints and plastics,
raise concerns about sustainability (Kagan, 2011).
Many contemporary artists and organizations are
advocating for eco-friendly materials and sustainable
practices to minimize art’s ecological footprint.

• Artificial Intelligence and Art: With the rise of AI-

generated art, ethical concerns about originality,
authorship, and the displacement of human artists
have emerged. The integration of technology in
visual arts raises questions about artistic authenticity
and the evolving definition of creativity (Manovich,
2018).

Despite these ethical considerations, visual art

remains a powerful medium for shaping perspectives
and fostering dialogue. Ethical art practices
encourage respect, inclusivity, and responsible
creativity. Artists and audiences alike are encouraged
to engage with art critically, considering its impact
on individuals, communities, and the environment.
MODULE 6: ELEMENTS OF VISUAL ART lady. The islands of Visayas and Mindanao are spread
out within the gown and the island of Palawan has
There is nothing more difficult for a truly creative
exactly the same incline and shape as her left arm.
painter than to paint a rose, because before he can
The mountain range that separates Surigao from
do so he has first to forget all the roses that were ever
Agusan and Davao is exact to the dark fold of the
painted.
lady’s gown from north to south. The site of the birth
-MATISSE of 1898 Philippine Independence, Kawit Cavite, is

“The Parisian Life” exact on the lady’s womb, site of a woman’s birthing;
the site of the declaration of 1899 Constitution,
(Interior d’un Cafi) is an 1892 oil on canvas painting
Malolos, Bulacan, is exact on the navel of the lady.
by Filipino painter and revolutionary activist Juan
The Constitution is the bloodline of the nation and
Luna. The painting is presently owned by the
the umbilical cord is the infant’s bloodline to his
Government Service Insurance System and was
mother; and Cebu covers a knee of the lady. Cebu is
transferred to and exhibited at the National Museum
the site of the first Christianization in the country.
of Fine Arts in March 2012. Measuring 22 in x 31 in,
this painting was created by Luna when he stayed in
Paris, France in 1884 to 1893. The painting portrayed MEDIUM AND ELEMENTS OF VISUAL ARTS
a glimpse of Luna’s own life accompanied by close
A little while ago I took a nap under an olive tree,
friends. The scene is inside a café with a woman
and the color harmonies I saw were so touching. It's
identified as a courtesan or a prostitute. This was
like a paradise you have no right to analyze, but you
painted on a time when Luna was caught up in
are a painter, for God's sake! Nice is so beautiful!
dramatic events of his personal life. It was exhibited
Alight so soft and tender, despite its brilliance.
only once in 1904 at World’s Fair’ St.Louis
Exposition in the United States, where it won as a -MATISSE
silver medalist. It was given an estimated price tag
Medium and elements both answer the question –
equivalent to $231,921-$257,690; despite this price
‘What is it made of?’ – but from different points of
the GSIS Museum bought it from Christie’s HK in
view. If we say that a building is made of brick and
October 2002 for the price of $870,000 (P45.4 to 46
stone we are talking of MEDIUM. If we say it is
million).
made of right angles and vertical lines, we are talking
An interpretation claims that “The Parisian Life” of the ELEMENTS. If a picture is made of oil or
depicts the image of the Philippine archipelago. The watercolor – that is medium. If it is made of red and
Philippine map’s mirror image when superimposed green and blue – that is elements.
on the lady highlights the contour of Northern Luzon
These elements can express qualities in the artwork
on the lady’s head dress. The distance between
such as movement, rhythm, space and depth,
Quezon and Zambales is exact to the waistline of the
balance, harmony and contrast, noise and calm, and clearly, it can only suggest any subject in relation to
variety of emotions and ideas that make up the literature. Vague ideas, half-formed opinions and
subjects of a great art. emotions, feelings that cannot be given tangible form
– all these are found in music.
What is the influence of medium and elements on the
choice of subject? TECHNIQUE is the ability of the artist to
manipulate the medium and organize the elements.
The use of stone, metal, wood, clay, and other
The ability to do what he wants to do , when he wants
materials in sculpture emphasizes mass and weight.
to do it, and in the way he wants to do it. Technique
Its subjects are objects of definite form and solidity.
is the artist’s control of the medium. For example, a
The qualities we associate with metal – strength,
musician’s technique is the ability to make the music
weight, durability – can heighten the effect the
sound as he wants it to soundby making use of his
sculptor desires.
musical instrument. A poet or a writer has the ability
In painting, whatever can be seen can be painted. to compose and play with words, to choose precise
Traditional painting has a much wider field than words in their literal or figurative sense. A skilled
sculpture. Through lines and patterns, the artist can craftsman’s or a sculptor’s technique is the way of
show the motion or gesture of the person, although handling chisel and hammer to produce his desired
the scene presented in painting is still. effect. An architect has a wide skill and technique in

Medium and elements greatly affect the architecture making use both aesthetic, function, and safety in

of every place. Marble was easily available in construction, and so does with mechanical artisan in

Greece. In Rome, concrete was used because of great his machine design and creation.

quantities of an earth called ‘pozzolana’ and

throughout Europe, limestone was easily available.
VISUAL ELEMENTS
In the United States, there were heavily wooded
forests and in some parts clay have been used. LINE
Indians built their houses of brick dried in the sun.
LINE is the simplest, most ancient and most
The Eskimos built with blocks of hard snow. While
universal means of creating visual art. Lines always
in the Philippines, different resources can be found
have direction, they are always active. They
in different islands and regions.
symbolize emotional expression. Calligraphic lines
Painting allows a wider range of subjects than in Greek means “beautiful writing”. Implied lines are
sculpture, but literature allows a wider range than suggestive lines, lines that are not actually drawn but
painting. Literature can present anything that can be created by a group of objects seen from a distance,
put into words, it can describe a situation at any given for example, lines created by the rain.
moment and can tell what happened before and after
that time. Music can never portray any subject
There are psychological response to different types darker; farther objects look smaller,
of lines - neutral, and lighter.
• Linear Perspective is the method of using
• Horizontal Lines imply width, calm,
lines to show the illusion of depth in a picture.
contemplation, distance and contemplation.
The following are types of linear perspective.
• Vertical Lines signify poise, aspiration, dignity, o One-point Perspective – When lines
solemnity, height and strength created by the sides of tables or
• Diagonal Lines suggest action or movement building look like that are pointing to
the distance and they all meet at one
• Jagged Lines suggest confusion, conflict, violence,
point on the horizon this is one-point
battle, turmoil and anxiety
perspective.
• Curved Lines show life and energy, comfort and o Two-point perspective – Here the
ease lines look like they are meeting at two
points on the horizon line.

PERSPECTIVES
SHAPE
Types of Perspective
A shape is a two-dimensional design encased by lines
• Perspective in the graphic arts, such as
to signify its height and width structure. There are
drawing, is an approximate representation, on
different types of shapes an artist can use and fall
a flat surface (such as paper), of an image as
under either geometrical, defined by mathematics, or
it is perceived by the eye. organic shapes, created by the artist. Simplistic,
• Nonlinear Perspective is the method of geometrical shapes include circles, triangles and
showing depth that incorporates the squares, and provide a symbolic and synthetic
following techniques. feeling, whereas acute angled shapes with sharp
o Position – Placing an object higher points are perceived as dangerous shapes.
on the page males it appear farther
Categories of Shape
then objects placed lower on the page.
o Overlapping – When an object • Negative Shapes – In a drawing it is the
overlaps another object it appears soace around the positive shape or the shape
closer to the viewer, and the object around the bowl of fruit. In sculpture it is the
behind the object appears farther empty shape around and between the
away. sculptures.
o Size, Color, and Value – closer • Static Shape – Shapes that appears stable
objects look larger, brighter, and and resting.
 • Dynamic Shape – Shapes that appears is chroma or intensity, distinguishing between strong
moving and active. and weak colors. A visual representation of
chromatic scale is observable through the color
wheel that uses the primary colors.
FORM
Categories of Color
Form is a three-dimensional object with volume of
Color Wheel is a tool used to organize color. It is
height, width and depth. These include cubes,
made up of:
spheres, and cylinders. Form generally refers to
physical works of art, like sculpture, 3D design and • Primary Colors – Red, Yellow, Blue, these
architecture. colors cannot be mixed, they must be bought
in some form.
Categories of Shapes
• Secondary Colors – Orange, Violet, Green,
• Geometric Shapes – Circles, squares, these colors are created by mixing two
rectangles, and triangles. We see them in primaries.
architecture and manufactured items. • Tertiary/Intermediate Colors – Red
• Organic Shapes – Leaf, seashells, flowers. Orange, Yellow Green, Blue Violet, etc.;
We see them in nature and with Mixing a primary with a secondary creates
characteristics that are free flowing, informal, these colors.
and irregular. • Monochromatic is where one color is used
• Positive Shapes – In a drawing or painting but in different values and intensity.
positive shapes are the solid forms in a design • Warm Colors are one side of the color wheel
such as a bowl of fruit. In a sculpture it is the and they give the feeling of warmth for
solid form of the sculpture. example red, orange, and yellow are the color
of fire and feel warm.
• Cool Colors are on the other side of the color
COLOR
wheel and they give the feeling of coolness
Color is an element consisting of hues, of which there for example blue, violet are the color of water
are three properties: hue, chroma or intensity, and and green are the color of cool grass.
value. Color is present when light strikes an object • Analogous Colors – The analog colors are
and it is reflected back into the eye, a reaction to a those colors which lie on either side of any
hue arising in the optic nerve. The first of the given color.
properties is hue, which is the distinguishable color, • Complementary Colors – Are colors that
like red, blue or yellow. The next property is value, are opposite each other on the color wheel.
meaning the lightness or darkness of the hue. The last When placed next to each other they look
 bright and when mixed together they (white) and darkest (black) tones of a work of art,
neutralize each other. with an infinite number of grey variants in between.
While it is most relative to the greyscale, though, it
is also exemplified within colored images.
TEXTURE
Categories of Values
Texture is used to describe the surface quality of the
• Tint is adding white to color paint to create
work, referencing the types of lines the artist created.
lighter values such as light blue or pink.
The surface quality can either be tactile (real) or
• Shade is adding black to paint to create dark
strictly visual (implied). Tactile surface quality is
values such as dark blue or dark red.
mainly seen through three-dimensional works, like
sculptures, as the viewer can see and/or feel the • High-key is where the picture is all light

different textures present, while visual surface values.

quality describes how the eye perceives the texture • Low-key is where the picture is all dark

based on visual cues. values.

• Value Contrast is where light values are
Categories of Texture
placed next to dark values to create contrast
• Real Texture is the actual texture of an or strong differences.
object. Artist may create real texture in art to • Value Scale is a scale that shows the gradual
give it visual interest or evoke a feeling. change in value from its lightest value, white
• Implied Texture is where a piece of art is to its darkest value black.
made to look like a certain texture. Like a
drawing of a tree trunk may look rough but in
fact it is just a smooth piece of paper.

VALUE

The scale between dark (black) and light (white)

values:

Value refers to the degree of perceivable lightness of

tones within an image. The element of value is
compatible with the term luminosity, and can be
"measured in various units designating
electromagnetic radiation". The difference in values
is often called contrast, and references the lightest
MODULE 7: PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN of Pietro Perugino (Italian painter) shows balance in
the placement of figures and objects on left and right
The painter has the universe . In his mind and hands.
sides of the scene – “The Delivery of the Keys to St.
-Leonardo Da Vinci Peter”.
In the previous module, you have learned that
ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE is stability in
medium and elements of visual art both answer the
composition in which objects on one side differ from
question – what is it made of? – but from different
those on the other side and yet visually attract our
points of view. That is, if a building is made of bricks
attention in equal force. It suggests freedom and
and stones, we are talking of medium. If we say it is
power. The painting of Edgar Degas (French
made of right angles, vertical and horizontal lines,
painter), “Dancers Practicing at the Barre” shows
shapes and forms, and texture, we are talking of the
two ballet dancers who are almost symmetrical, each
elements. If a picture is made of watercolor – that is
is poised on one leg, and raised legs point on opposite
medium; if it is made of red, green, and blue – those
directions. Asymmetrical balance can also be
are elements. Also, value, as one of the elements,
“heavier” or “lighter” in some areas, such as
talks about the range of darkness and lightness of its
Whistler’s “Arrangement of Grey and Black, 1871”.
tone or color.
“Law of Order” gives an impression of unity. It refers
There are several principles of design. In this
to adaptation of the visual elements to each other, the
module, we will be discussing the seven essential
agreement between the parts. The Architectural
principles that every artist use in their work of art.
design in Gothic Rose Window (Image04) shows an
Elements of art and principles of design describe the
impression of oneness or harmony inside the
ideas about the practice of visual art. These
geometric shape.
principles are concepts used to arrange the elements
of design. HARMONY is similar to Unity. Harmony brings
together a composition with similar units. If your
composition was using wavy lines and organic
BALANCE AND ORDER shapes you would stay with those types of lines and
not put in just one geometric shape. UNITY means
“Law of Rest” it is the feeling of equality in weight,
keeping your design in a sort of harmony in which all
attention, or attraction of the various elements; it
sections of the pattern make other sections feel
suggests stability, security, satisfaction, rest and
complete. Unity helps the design to be seen as one
peace.
design instead of randomness all around your design.
SYMMETRICAL BALANCE is achieved by
Harmony is accomplished by the repetition of a
arrangement of same objects of same sizes so that
particular design element, such as color, shape,
they have equal distances from the center. It suggests
dignity and strength. The scene in the fresco painting
texture, that harmony is what creates the sense of using different shapes, textures, colors, and values in
unity. the artwork. Variety creates visual interest and
energy. A lot of variety can make an artwork look
overwhelming, but when paired with proportion,
EMPHASIS AND CONTRAST variety offers the viewer points of interest.

CONTRAST means showing differences in two PROPORTION or scale refers to the relationships of
distinct sections of the design or showing somehow the sizes of objects in a body of work. Proportion
that the design being created is very different from gives a sense of size seen as a relationship of objects,
other designs because of its contrast. Contrast can such as smallness or largeness.
also be used to show emphasis in any part of the
Below are examples of variety in painting -
design.
Kandinsky (19th century Russian abstract painter)
EMPHASIS is given to an area within the design used a variety of lines, shapes, values, and colors in
because that area is meant to be seen or is more Der Sturm, and Raphael (15th century Italian painter)
important to be noticed when compared to other in his mural painting in Vatican, “The School of
places of the design. Athens”, synthesized a picture where all the Greek

Contrast can be used to create visual interest and and Christian philosophers and thinkers were

drama in an artwork. Below is an example of represented: Philosophy, Theology, Poetry, Justice,

contrast, in 1601 painting of Michelangelo Merisi da Arithmetic, Geometry, Grammar, Music, Astronomy,

Caravaggio (Italian painter), the “Crucifixion of St. Rhetoric and Dialectic. The School of Athens

Peter” , a contrast in both light, dark and directional depicted philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle,

lines are shown. Contrast can be seen in size, color, Socrates, Pythagoras, Heracleitus, and others. The

texture, and position of different figures in the scene, structure of the building also features variety of lines,

or subject of the photos. perspective, shapes and forms. Raphael also used
Renaissance color in this painting.
As a principle of art, emphasis refers to the area of
an artwork that dominates attention or draws interest.
It is often the place a viewer looks first. Artists create PATTERN AND MOVEMENT
emphasis by contrasting the elements of art, such as
PATTERN is simply keeping your design in a certain
color or shape.
format. For example, you could plan to have curved
lines all around your design, but then you must

VARIETY AND PROPORTION continue those curved lines throughout the design for
good patterns.
VARIETY refers to the differences in the
composition of elements. You can achieve variety by
MOVEMENT is the suggestion or illusion of motion
in a painting, sculpture, or design. For example,
circles going diagonally up and down from right to
left could show that the design moves up and to the
right or down and to the left.

In the painting, “Nude Descending a Staircase”,

Marcel Duchamp (American painter) created
patterns of diagonal lines to depict a lady’s
descending movement downstairs. While in the
painting, “Ejiri in Suruga Province” 1830, the
Japanese painter, Hokusai, shows the movement of
the wind through the shapes of the paper. The lines
of the figures and the billowing clothes convey
movement in painting.
MAJOR THEMES IN VISUAL ART • Scenes of everyday life, work, and family
• Cultural symbols, mythology, and folklore
Art reflects human experiences, beliefs, and
emotions. Over time, artists have explored different • Struggles of different social groups

themes to express ideas, tell stories, or record history.

RITUAL LIFE/SPIRITUALITY

LIFE/NATURE AND ITS CYCLE Art has always been connected to religion and

This theme focuses on nature and the cycle of life— spirituality. Many cultures create sacred artworks to

birth, growth, decay, and rebirth. Artists depict worship gods, tell religious stories, or express their

plants, animals, landscapes, and human life to show beliefs.

how everything in nature is connected. Some

artworks celebrate nature’s beauty, while others
COMMON ELEMENTS IN ART
show its power or fragility.
• Images of gods, angels, saints, and spiritual
COMMON ELEMENTS IN ART
beings
• Flowers, trees, mountains, rivers, and seasons • Religious symbols (cross, lotus, crescent
• Animals in the wild or in harmony with moon, mandala)
humans • Ritual objects like masks, altars, and temples
• Life stages—childhood, adulthood, old age • Scenes of prayer, meditation, and religious
• Death and renewal (symbolism of skulls, ceremonies
falling leaves, wilted flowers)

WAR, POLITICAL POWER, AND

CULTURAL IDENTITY AND REVOLUTION
COMMUNITY/SOCIETY
Art can be a powerful way to record history, express
This theme explores traditions, customs, and social political beliefs, or protest against injustice. Some
values. Art helps people express their identity and the artworks show the horrors of war, while others
history of their community or country. It can also glorify leaders and revolutions.
show how societies change over time.

COMMON ELEMENTS IN ART

COMMON ELEMENTS IN ART
• Battles, soldiers, and war heroes
• Traditional clothing, celebrations, and • Kings, rulers, and political symbols
festivals
 • Protests, revolutions, and struggles for
freedom
ANALYZING VISUAL ARTS
• Scenes of destruction, suffering, or victory
2 TYPES OF ANALYZING VISUAL ARTS

FORMAL / VISUAL ANALYSIS

ART AND SCIENCE
Focuses on the visual elements of an artwork,
Science and technology have influenced art in many
examining how they are arranged and how they
ways. Artists use scientific knowledge to create
contribute to the over all composition
realistic drawings, explore new techniques, or
Line, Shape & Form, Color, Texture, Space, Balance
imagine the future. Some artists also create works
and Composition
that question the impact of technology on society.

CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
COMMON ELEMENTS IN ART
Examines an artwork in relation to its historical,
• Human anatomy and proportions
cultural, and social background
• Optical illusions and mathematical patterns
• Space, planets, and futuristic concepts
• Machines, robots, and artificial intelligence

DREAMS AND IDEAS

Artists often use their imagination to create

dreamlike or surreal artworks. These artworks show
emotions, fantasies, and abstract ideas rather than
real-life scenes.

COMMON ELEMENTS IN ART

• Strange, dreamlike landscapes

• Symbols and hidden meanings
• Surreal creatures and distorted figures
• Personal emotions and subconscious
thoughts